Little Women. A Story for Girls. With Four Coloured Illustrations by W.E. Webster. London: Blackie & Sons, (1910). Pp, 288, plus catalogue of publications by Blackie for Boys and Girls. Publisher’s blue cloth boards, title & device in gilt to upper cover & spine. A nice bright copy.

Originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869 ‘Little Women’ is one of the best-loved children’s stories of all time, based on the author’s own youthful experiences. A coming-of-age novel It describes the family life of the four March sisters living in a small New England community.

Walter Ernest Webster (1878-1959) was a renowned figure and portrait painter, his works were particularly popular amongst American collectors. Webster was also a prolific and respected illustrator for magazines.